Kenilworth 21, Spartans 19.

By Alex Garbett

Evenly Matched Teams

Kenilworth 21, Spartans 19.

With both sides travelling to neutral Old Coventrians for a Warwickshire Shield semi-final, the return of wintry conditions saw a good contest between contrasting styles of play with Kenilworth using their greater experience to get them over the line.

A soggy and windy afternoon began with both sides testing each other out, and it soon became clear that Kenilworth were happy to play a more narrow game whilst Spartans were keen to go wide. A break up the right saw Spartans squeeze in for a try in the corner against the run of play, but the powerful Kenilworth forwards started to get a grip on the game and limited any further opportunities. having dominated possession Kenilworth scored a well-worked try of their own, and a few minutes later added a penalty for a three point lead which lasted until half time.

The weather forecasters got it wrong, and during the break the wind stopped allowing Kenilworth a flying start to the second half and after some robust forward play from their big boys a try was added on the left. Not to be outdone Spartans hit back from the kick off and seizing on a Kenilworth mistake they moved the ball wide and right for a try, and an excellent conversion brought it back to a one point margin. Kenilworth used all their higher league experience and tactical nous to play in the right areas of the field, and once more their dominant forwards kept them in Spartans half for long periods, squeezing a penalty along the way.

With limited possession Spartans once more reverted to wide and loose play, and a rare visit into Kenilworth territory saw them score a real poacher's try through the dazzling footwork of Perry Bates-Powell. With five minutes to go the Men In Black held a three point lead but were pinned in their own half again as Kenilworth sought to strangle them. Some desperate defence just about held on, but a five metre lineout in the mud saw Kenilworth use their big forwards once more and they drove over to claim the game.

Credit must be given to both sides for producing a good contest in shocking conditions, with experience proving the deciding factor.